Diane Raver
The Herald-Tribune
--- — Over 50 years ago, harness racing was a popular sport to participate in and watch. On July 14, it will return to Ripley County. Donna Siebert, Batesville, says her parents, Temple “Osgood” and Helen Smock, had horses when she was growing up. “Dad maintained and took care of the Ripley County racetrack .... He also raised, bred and trained horses. “There’s a lot of blood, sweat and tears in taking care of” these animals, she says. “Dad raced in Indiana, Ohio and Pennsylvania.” Siebert’s brother, Bill Smock, Canaan, recalls the history of harness racing here: “Years ago, everyone used a horse and buggy or horse and carriage to get where they were going. That was the normal thing. “With humans being competitive, they wanted to race .... Racing was done right on the road. You raced with your neighbor or whoever.” This led to organized races at the track. He explains that races can be conducted in two different gaits, trotting and pacing. “For pacers, the right front and right rear legs move in unison .... for trotters, the left front and right rear (legs) move together .... (horses) are bred for speed and bred for the gait.” Carrie Hollman, Milan, an Indiana Standardbred Association director, has been raising horses since 1982. She also participates in harness racing. “An individual race varies from 2 minutes to 2 minutes 15 seconds .... it depends on the condition of the track. The Ripley County track probably won’t be as fast because it’s new. As it settles, it will become faster.” Hollman says participants pay $250 up front to be eligible for the competitions, which usually take place during county fairs. Then each horse has a $50 entry fee for each race in which it completes. The purse for the county events is $3,000, and the winner gets 50 percent. Other top finishers also receive a percentage. “It’s a challenge to get your horse to be the top one .... (and) there are plenty of expenses.” The energetic woman announces, “We enjoy it as a family sport. I used to race with my dad. My husband, daughter and I put in a training track .... (and) have to work with the horses every day .... We go to races and see these people two or three times a week, and we’ve made many friends.” She likes the “thrill of participating and having a chance to win .... (however) it’s not always about winning. You want to race well.” Julie Brancamp, Ripley County park manager, says the racing events are possible because of a $22,895 ISA grant. Monies were used for track improvements, including new fencing around the track, painting and speakers. Hollman is credited with getting the whole process started. The Milan resident reports, “On the day of the race (July 14), we will be giving out free T-shirts and hats .... We’re trying to do some fun things.”
